The Illusionist

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The Illusionist

PG-13

2006

1h 50m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

193 Reviews

83%

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250,000+ Ratings

A master magician named Eisenheim vies with Crown Prince Leopold of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie, the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancée. However, a police inspector named Uhl tries to warn Eisenheim that he is playing a very dangerous game.

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Critics Consensus

The Illusionist is an engrossing, well-crafted story of mystery, magic and intrigue that is certain to enchant, if not hypnotize, audiences.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

01/30/2018

So, in short? Well, the scenery is very pleasant and this film would kill a couple of hours on a plane. But I don't think I'd advise schlepping to the cinema rather than, say, staying at home for a nap then a bit of cheese.

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Brian Tallerico

UGO

03/24/2007

Despite its two strong lead performances and terrific visual verve, The Illusionist ends up as a great example of an overly ambitious movie that's not quite sure what it wants to be.

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James Christopher

The Times (UK)

03/13/2007

3/5

Norton looks tortured and old before his time as the humourless Eisenheim.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jan 17

[Paul Giamatti]'s twinkling eyes and theatrical smiles offering everything from cagey mistrust to professional appreciation (often at the same time) gives him the flamboyance the film’s magic act never quite manages.

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

02/14/2021

The Illusionist is an attractively done piece of work, that leaves a relatively small impression.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/11/2020

3.5/4.0

The Illusionist is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic experience.

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Mary S

Jan 5

Excellent cast and interaction. Well worth the effort.

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Shawn G.

@msgohio Dec 23

Good original story, Ed Norton was great in this one.

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Deepika V

Nov 18

This is based from the short story by Steven Milhauser. The description of Eisenheim in the story almost matches Norton’s depiction in the movie. Norton does a great job in playing a magician—he’s believable, from his hairstyles, beard, and expressive eyes. Jessica Biel did a great job in acting as his love interest, there was a certain chemistry between her and Norton in their scenes.

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Robert C

Jul 13

One of the best and most enchanting movies I have ever seen. The intrigue is haunting. The acting superb. I never knew knew what to expect from scene to scene.

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Calvin T

@Calvin504 Jun 10

One of the greatest movies I've seen 💯✌🏾

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Christina A

May 4

Quite good. Top notch performance from Paul Giamatti. I understand the tricks were supposed to come across as Fantastical and that's what made Eisenheim appealing. Other than that, the movie does well immersing the viewer into the time period with beautifully shot scenes as well as the music score. A worthy watch for sure!

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Neil Burger

Director

Edward Norton

Eisenheim

Paul Giamatti

Inspector Uhl

Jessica Biel

Sophie

Rufus Sewell

Crown Prince Leopold

Eddie Marsan

Josef Fischer

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Synopsis

A master magician named Eisenheim vies with Crown Prince Leopold of Vienna for the hand of noblewoman Sophie, the girl he once loved. He brings his considerable powers to bear on the prince, as she is about to be named royal fiancée. However, a police inspector named Uhl tries to warn Eisenheim that he is playing a very dangerous game.

Director: Neil Burger
Producer: Michael London, Brian Koppelman, David Levien, Bob Yari
Screenwriter: Neil Burger
Distributor: Yari Film Group
Production Co: Michael London Productions, Stillking Films, Bull's Eye Entertainment, Bob Yari Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $39.8M
Runtime: 1h 50m

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